Introduction:What began very quietly has now developed into a story that just keeps going. Originally, this was the only post I expected to write on this photo, but the story just keeps going. For ease of reading, I have now numbered them so new readers can follow along easily.

Beyond anything I could imagine, this original blog post has received 250,000+ hits from 180+ countries worldwide. That I know. From what I can tell, I estimate that the photo itself has been viewed at least 750,000 times on social media where it went so crazy viral that I can no longer keep track.

For the Spanish translation, generously provided by Fr. John Herman, CSC, please visit: Version en español

*******

On December 11th, 2016, I posted something on my Facebook page that kept me busy with correspondence for weeks. It went viral in a way I never expected and I’ve heard from people from all around the world. Initially, I simply posted the photo without much commentary. Since this image was entrusted to me, however, I feel a responsibility to explain it a bit.

It was a Sunday, and due to my poor shower time management (1 shower for 6 people), we experienced a “shower bottleneck” and couldn’t get everyone through in time to make our customary 11:00 a.m. Mass at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in South Bend. So the family went to St. Matt’s and I hit the 11:45 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Basilica on campus at the University of Notre Dame. After Mass, it was snowing a wet and heavy snow. On my way to the parking lot, I instinctively stopped at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes where I was touched by the presence ofone lone student kneeling devoutly in prayer. I decided to take a photo because this young man – he looked like some kind of athlete – didn’t move the whole time. Snow was piling up on him. As soon as I took the photo, my iPhone suddenly shut down despite the fact that I had a 42% charge. It was 1:50 p.m.

Nine hours later, when everyone was in bed, I had forgotten all about taking this photo and I went to free up some memory from my phone by deleting things I didn’t need. As I sat at our dining room table, I was astonished to see the image of a vertical “cloud” directly above the student. This was quite surprising to me because when I took the picture there was no such image there.

During the following days, I’ve been quite busy answering questions and enjoying the great beauty of Our Lady at work. After receiving ten individual messages from friends and strangers telling me that they were spontaneously moved to tears by the photo, I quit counting. Let’s just say that the number is now a whole lot more than ten.

A day after I posted the original photo above (which has not been altered in any way), my older sister’s high school classmate lifted the image off her page and enhanced it by Photoshop. Because I knew people were going to ask, I asked him to tell me exactly what he did to it. This is his reply: “About a minute’s worth of Photoshop. Highlighted the area and turned the brightness and contrast down on the background to see it better. That’s a remarkable image that you took. It’s making the internet rounds and strengthening Faith everywhere! “

You might see this photo as simply a beautiful photo of a person praying at the Grotto. You might see it as something more. You might think that it has a natural cause. You might think that the cause is supernatural.

What do I think?

Well, first let me explain some context. I’ve had an ongoing relationship with the Blessed Mother for a very long time. Were it not for her, I think I would have abandoned Christ a long time ago. She comforted me as a young man when I was in the midst of extreme emotional pain and despair. Then for a while as I was struggling to develop a mature faith, she kept intervening to bring me back to her Son, Jesus. Every time, she always seemed to say, “Do whatever He tells you!” So I’ve tried my best to follow her advice for the past 30 years or so. Most of this has all been very ordinary without any signs and wonders. I do admit that I’ve had a handful of extraordinary experiences, but then again, what praying, committed person of faith has not? Since she saved me from abandoning Christ which easily would have been the greatest mistake of my life, I’ve grown to be quite devoted to her. Still, I automatically looked for reasonable natural explanation for this photo. It doesn’t look like a flash of light to me. It certainly was not snow falling off of the rocks (wrong kind of snow – plus I’d have seen it).

I think this photo is probably a result of Our Lady somehow arranging ordinary natural elements (maybe a snowflake falling a few feet in front of the camera) with astonishing timing to remind the world that she is with us, prayer is real, and everything is going to be alright.

Let’s say it was a snowflake falling as I believe. What are the chances that a snowflake falling hundreds of feet from the sky would appear in the exact position necessary to form a “cloud” over the praying student? What are the odds that the camera shutter would open and close during the only millisecond possible to create such an image. How did I choose to stand at precisely the right angle to capture all this? Why did the snowflake seem to perfectly highlight the rocks in such a way that thousands of people think they see the image of a mother with child? But most of all, why are so many, many people crying when they look at it?

This is how Our Lady works. I’ve observed it before. She uses natural things to touch her children deeply: elements, situations, “coincidences”, etc. In this way, she always leads us back to her Son, Jesus.

Please stop for a moment and consider the implications for your own life if indeed Our Lady is behind this photo. If she is, then she intended for you to be reading these words right now. If this is the case, then this whole thing is not some strange and distant event. This is personal. It is not an accident. She is calling to you.

As Jesus hung dying on a cross, during the moments of His greatest physical, spiritual and emotional agony, it was only Our Lady, a couple of her friends, and the apostle John that remained with Him. The apostles, of course, were the first bishops of the Catholic Church. All validly ordained Catholic bishops since then derive their authority in an unbroken line from one of the twelve. Notably, John was the ONLY apostle with the courage to stay with Jesus to the bitter end. Then somehow, despite His unimaginable suffering, Jesus had the presence of mind to notice his mother and John keeping vigil. The following is an eyewitness account of what happened as told by John himself,

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.‘ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn 19:26-27)

We Catholics have always believed that from this moment on, Jesus’ mother officially became the mother of all of us. He bound His mother to the Church and the Church to His mother.

Whatever you believe about the above photos is fine by me. One can certainly have faith without paying any heed whatsoever to this image. If it enhances your faith, great. If it is a distraction, then just ignore it. Everyone is on his or her own journey. All we are called to do is seek the truth and love what’s good.

Regardless of you what you think, I hope that at least you have enjoyed the beauty of this story. Please know that I take it as my responsibility to pray for every person who is the least bit interested in this photo. By reading this far, you can be assured that I’ve already prayed for you. Please pray for me too. In fact, let’s all pray for each other.

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The Side of the House

The Side of the House is a blog by Robert Kloska. He has no delusion that his blog is any good. He also realizes that the Side of the House violates lots of best practices in blogging. But he's not trying to be a professional blogger. Rather, he's just sharing his sincere thoughts. Your comments, encouragement, and differing points of view are welcome. This blog is simply an extension of what actually occurs on the side of the Kloska house in South Bend, Indiana.
You are most welcome here! House rules: 1) You must be a person of goodwill; and 2) You must try be friendly and polite to everyone.
In person, Robert is usually known as "BK", "Bobby", or "Bob." Nobody really calls him Robert despite the fact that he really likes that name. ;)

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The Lord Jesus Christ says to Mexico, “Consecrate yourselves to My Wounds, to My Holy Blood and I will protect your families of the great catastrophe that is approaching the Popocatepetl as a result of sin of abortion. Message for you Puebla to His children by Will of Him, Holy among the Saints. Amen, Amen, Amen.February 12th 2019.
Message from God Almighty Jehova of the Armies to Britain UK March 4th 2019. Saint Patrick prophecy is going to be accomplish if you please repent of sin of abortion and pray to the Blessed Mother of God Jesus the Christ to be saved from the coming flooding soon as soon as possible, please Says God Almigthy repent children repent My Name is Jehova of the Armies Father of the Elohim, repent because the flood is not waiting any more to you people rapist men of Pakistan beware My Wrath against you murderous sinners of islam you will be burnt alive in the fire of Hell very soon. Amen, Aleluya, Amen. Amen Amen Amen. Signed from Elohim Saint Michael Archangel of God and the Blessed Mother of God Virgin Mary. Amen.
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When in great trials to pray always can be very difficult. St. Jane de Chantal told her priest friend in times such as these it is good to join our will to the will of God and to renew it often during the day. This is a prayer which will place us in good stead and, yes, everything is going to be alright. The photo is magnificent!

Faith is a gift, and I feel privileged to have received it. Of course, I believe the Blessed Mother appeared at ND grotto. What a wonderful manifestation of her love and caring for ND! Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

This is a touching photo and story. I also wonder if the student praying there was having a special moment with our Lady beyond the experience we have when we pray at the Grotto, one of the world’s best places to connect with Our Lady and our Lord.

Yes the snow flakes formed the image of the Holy Mother with Devine Intervention.Over the man who was praying for her help.He must of had something that was very troubling .The Holy Mother heard his prayers for her help.And came to help him.I know She helped me many times.O Mary conceived without sin,pray for us who have recourse to Thee.

Beautiful!!! You absolutely can see the Blessed Mother holding a baby!! What a beautiful Christmas gift to us all to let us know she is not far and shecis with us. The way things are in our world these days, we need to know she is with us. Mother Mary, pray for us.

What an amazing story! It is evident that our Holy Mother is sending all of us a message. We need to be following her message from Fatima. Say a rosary it is the strongest weapon against evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, Blessed are thou amount women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for our sinners, now and at the hour of death. 🙏🏼

Mary again draws us to and reminds us of her Son, our Redeemer in this special season of Christmas. Let us give thanks to God for his Son, Jesus Christ and for giving us His Mother Mary to watch over us.

Hail Mary full of Grace!
Thank you blessed Mother for your presence in our lives! I believe in miracles and blessings….Jesus wants us to ask HIM for HIS help….and I do try to do whatever HE tells me to do!

Thank you for sharing this photo. I am a Catholic in heart and mind but divorced. I am praying for the Catholic Church to reconcile with divorced Catholics. I want to receive communion again but I am remarried. Our Blessed Mother is so compassionate and loving. I believe this was sent to me to renew my faith and bring me hope. I have a spiritual relationship with Christ through prayer but was told that I am not allowed to receive communion because I am in a new relationship. Thank you for renewing my devotion to Our Blessed Mother. I will seek her intercession.

Actually, the first image I “saw” is the one above the grotto,between the two trees. The image seems to me just like the one right above the man praying, but with a crown on her head. It is not like the beautiful image,of, light above the man, but at least for me, the Virgin, always beautiful, was certainly there for those who want to see.

I am very impressed with this photo. Several times in my life when I was really down I prayed the rosary and received a miracle that really eased my buurden. Might even say some were miracles as what happened in my life should not have gone in my favor but it did. Once again I am at a crossroads in my life. So I will be praying the rosary hoping for a miracle.

God works in mysterious ways! The events leading the photographer up to the moment when they happened to snap the above picture & seemingly we’re just in the right place at the right time, may be coincidental. But, I believe it’s Him speaking to us through Mother Mary. Sometimes He whispers & we have to pay closer attention to His words or visions & signs. Sometimes His presence can’t be denied. If this photograph struck those of you like it did me, then this is one of those times.

I like how you say it–arranging natural elements just so. Sometimes as I walk and I’m praying, for instance, I’ll look up and see a cross in the landscape, something innocent like a power line or criss-crossing branches. It’s not merely a coincidence. He let’s us know he hears us and loves us.

Half way through reading the story I had to stop and get a tissue. I was crying so hard I couldn’t see to finish the story of the second photo. What a beautiful Christmas gift from our Mother Mary and her precious Son. God bless you for sharing and a most Holy Christmas to you.

The Spirit of Our Blessed Mother remains here and when called upon she will be there, just as Our Savior has promised that he will be there as well. Thank You so much for sharing this wonderful experience and photo.

I lost my beloved husband to cancer this year and I prayed, and continue to pray, for grace to Mother Mary. This is beautiful and she choose you, BK, to share this image –giving hope to the world this Christmas. Peace on Earth.

What an amazing gift that Our Lady gave you and everyone that has seen and read this article!! I feel truly blessed to be one of the many to have seen this!! Prayers to all of you and what you may struggle with this Christmas season! May God and Mary continue to be the light, faith and grace that you need! Merry Christmas and God bless!

On this Christmas I am struggling with great sorrow over my relationship with my children. My mind and heart has been experiencing terrible grief during this Christmas. It is 4 am and I was up praying for them and myself. I opened my Facebook page and this is what I see. It brought tears to my eyes because for me it was a sign from the Mother of Jesus saying to put my trust in Him and He will help me with my burden. It gives me hope. A fragile thing to find in this world. Is it just snowflakes? Of course…but God made those snowflakes and He can use anything in His Creation to communicate with His children. I am a scientist by training…but this is a matter of faith.

Notre Dame du Lac — Our Lady of the Lake. I’ve always suspected that the place is actually a sacred goddess ground. Having prayed at the Grotto many, many times, I think the goddess let you know she is with us in her place.

When I showed my wife this picture i noticed that the image looked like Mary holding her son after being taken down from the cross. His arm stretches to the left, her head looking down at his. My wife noticed Mary’s hand on his head. ‘Woman, behold, your son.‘ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ Amazing!

When I first saw the photo, it immediately struck me as Our Lady. Even the rocks of the grotto added to the image of her arm and the child. Once I saw the enhanced image, she becomes even more clear. While I am Catholic and a believer, I have a stronger connection to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Perhaps, the connection is because she is a loving mother or a woman but my praying the Hail Mary, the Memorare, Hail Holy Queen and the Miraculous Medal make me feel closer to her and her Son.

I saw the image little cloud of dust and knew that she has again, sent us, a message that she is always there to guide us. Thank you for sharing the photo. You have blessed me greatly today and answered my prayer. God bless you always.

You ask, “…why are so many, many people crying when they look at it?” I think it’s because we are human. We *want* to have absolute faith, but way down inside – or, for many of us, much closer to the surface! – there is always doubt. And when the Blessed Mother graces us with reassurance, we are relieved and deeply moved.

Joe—-Just how much of your money and effort have you put into preventing thousands of children from dying every day from preventable diseases, drought and famine?

I am genuinely curious.

Honest question…I really want to know if you are sincere in your concern for your fellow man by actually doing something about it and for them or if it is just some sort of cop out to blame God and in so doing–excuse your own responsibility to care for your brothers and sisters?

Jesus told us to feed the hungry-give drink to those who are thirsty, clothe the naked, and heal those who are sick–visit those in prison or hospitals.

That’s our job and His Commandment…No institution on earth has helped more people for more continuous years (like 2,000 of them) than the Catholic Church. Because there is poverty-suffering and injustice in the World isn’t God’s fault at all— it’s ours— and failing to use our Free Will to do something about it.

Such a touching picture & read. I believe there are signs all around us, showing God’s existence. This touched me to the point of tears also. Thank you for sharing this Blessed photo. You were where you needed to be, at the time you needed to be there, by God’s amazing glory. God Bless you & your family. 🙂

Blessed is he who Believes with his heart and soul! Yes that is our Blessed Mother always near those who seek her! I think it is the most Beautiful picture I have seen. I hope the student that was praying there sees this as proof that we are never alone! Merry Christmas thank you for sharing and May Blessings shine upon us each and everyday.

That’s obviously 2 snowflakes falling very close to the camera lens. It’s not a religious/supernatural event. You can see the other snowflakes falling too. I’m a believer, but we must also be realistic too.

“Do whatever He tells you to do”. Sounds like She is pointing to her Son and the Son of God as the only way of Salvation. No confusion here at all. You would be wise to follow Her and listen to Her…She always leads you to Her Son.

I believe the photo is real and that our Mother Mary is passing a loving message as she does. I always share from the miraculous medal page, but I don’t usually follow links, remarkably today I just decided to follow the link and I got this wonderful message, it means Mary Our Mother directs her children to know more about her and am glad that I am one. Glory be to God, Honour to Mary & Joseph. Am so delighted.

Eternal thanks to my father (now with God) for implanting in me from a very early age a devotion to our Blessed Lady under the title of the Immaculate Conception. On many Monday evenings, after a long day of work and a brutally long week ahead of him, he would take me to the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal in Philadelphia for its novena services. Sometimes, we would share a treat together — a Philadelphia soft pretzel or a water ice — on the bus ride back home. Mary has helped me out of a lot of jams in my life — including, no doubt, some of which I have been blissfully ignorant to this day. I believe she directed me to my dear spouse, Joanne, because of my earthly mother’s prayers. I owe much to her, including my faith in Jesus to Whom she keeps pointing me.

I don’t know what to make of this picture, but it is something to ponder deeply.

I am a convert to the church, I was 30 when I converted (40 Years ago) when I first came into the church though I loved Our Lady I felt uncomfortable about it. For quite some time I struggled with it and then one day after Mass I decided to ask Our Lady what was her position in the church, she replied instantly saying ‘I am a stepping stone to my Son’ from that moment I was at peace.

Christ sets those on a path for certain purposes. His purpose that day was to put you in that place to take that picture of His Mother. Because of this, you shared a beautiful gift for all to see. We continue to believe and honor Christs most Sacred Blessed Mother. What better gift to receive this Christmas! Thank you sir and God Bless you!

I think you meant to write “as it’s passing…” You see “it’s” is the proper use of English for “it is” and “its” is the proper usage to imply ownership. I believe you also meant to say “whatsoever” and not “whatever.” The word “whatever” makes no sense here.

Don’t worry about being wrong with your use of language. It happens to the best of us. Who knows, you might also be wrong with your logic.

Thanks for sharing this good news in a world that seems to only be full of bad news. Mary has been a strong presence in my live most recently and I am sure she is where we need her if we only look and follow her advice. Prayers for you on your worldly journey. This most definitely is not a distraction.

This is absolutely awesome. Our Blessed Mother is always there for us as a source of strength and comfort. I needed this as I have been struggling lately with what God’s plan is for me now. Blessed Mother, help guide me to your Son. Amen

This is beautiful. Believe it or not what comes in this way is usually real. Thanks for sharing because I love what I see and I appreciate your honesty. Our mother Mary appears and call to us in various ways reminding us that with her son Jesus, she is always interceding for us. God bless you and your family.

First the image took my breath, then reading your words brought me to tears. My husband shared this on FB and called me and said you need to read this.
I felt our Blessed Mother surround me with her ❤️ and presence. I needed this. Thank you and Merry Christmas

Side Bar: Also, congratulations on both of your Emmys! And although I don’t like blood and guts violence in film and think most of the time it is unnecessary, I do stand with you in indignation against the impersonal brutality of many modern day corporations. So I get the point of “Downsizers.”

Okay, let me first correct one thing I think you got wrong about what I’ve said before I put forth my main responses. I nowhere say that in this particular instance God has bent the laws of physics to put a sacred image on an iPhone. The point that I’m making is that I think God has worked WITHIN the laws of physics to send us all a sign and touch our hearts. The mechanics of how the image occurred is not my point at all.

My point is that the unlikeliness of the image occurring in this context which required a confluence of mind-boggling improbabilities such as the presence of the kneeling student, my spontaneous decision to take a photo at all, the alignment of the angle of the camera, the presence of the snowflake, and my unwitting decision to press the button at the precise fraction of a second necessary for the image to appear, all combine to give one pause for reflection once one sees the result. If these things result in a common portrayal of the religious image of mother and child, and if the context of this appearance fits perfectly with both the nature of the physical location (a place of prayer) and the action of the kneeling student (prayer), then maybe someone is behind the improbable alignment of all these otherwise ordinary elements.

Taking it one step further, if literally dozens of people from all walks of life have seen this image and have spontaneously reacted to it with unexpected emotion, then why did they do so? Doesn’t so many people having such a powerful and unexpected reaction at least give you pause to wonder if they somehow have seen or experienced something that you might have missed?

Okay, I realize that your greater objection is the problem of the presence of evil in the world. If God exists and has the power to stop it and chooses NOT to stop it, then isn’t God a monster? That’s a VERY fair question! Sometimes I wonder why more believers don’t ask it. I think to myself, “What? Are they asleep or something?” So I’m very eager to discuss it because I myself have grappled with this question on a personal level.

Unfortunately, I have run out of time and need to get to work right now. But please allow me to return tonight to offer my thoughts.

I saw this article on my facebook timeline. Thank you for sharing this and being a vessel of Mary’s message of God’s abiding faithfulness. There are a lot of things going on in the world today that we forget we have a Mother whom we can turn to for help and that she will always lead us back to Jesus.

Simply beautiful. At first glance I only saw “the cloud” which I immediately saw as our Blessed Mother. I had to go back and look for the person. Everything happens for a reason and only at the time the Lord directs. It’s just beautiful. Hail, Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

I thank you for sharing this story. I, too, have called upon Our Blessed Mother in time of need. She seems to be my “go to” person and I will share this lifting story with my sister, Mary, who needs solace from our Blessef Mother now. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

It is very touching reading all those comments. What ever happens in life is for a reason.
I love Mary ,my heavenly mother. I pray for my family that have abbandoned the faith to come back. I now they will
as our Lord said so.
God Bless you all and a very Holy, Joyful Christmas

I find it deeply disturbing that you would have us believe that your God can bend the laws of physics to create “sacred” images on an iPhone and yet He does nothing to prevent thousands of children dying every day in Africa from preventable disease, drought and famine?

If it were true, then I would say your God is a monster. Lucky for us, it’s just some snow passing in front of the lens – which is why it’s white, motion blurred and very defocussed. It’s position is simply a coincidence.

Thanks for the picture and the story. I thought immediately of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem “The Blessed Virgin Compared to the Air We Breathe.” I just looked back at it and was delighted to find a reference not just to air but to snow! Here is a link to the poem. http://www.bartleby.com/122/37.html

This picture gives me much comfort and I am grateful that it has been made public. Our Lady has a special place in my heart and she has definitely taken me to her son and helped me to know God the Father and the Holy Spirit. I have been to Medjugorje many times and have received many spiritual gifts. This picture taken at the Grotto at Notre Dame will touch many lives and bring may people to believe.

This comforts me… The day before my mom died… Tues Apr 19….I was at ND…I stopped at the grotto to light a candle for my loved ones in heaven… I don’t know why how or what but the words “blessed mother please take care of my mom” literally flew out of my mouth. Don’t ask me why I said that… She wasn’t near death (or so I thought at the time)…she was doing fine. The very next day.. Wed April 20 my mom died very suddenly and with no warning. I’ve often thought about that day at the grotto…. Mother Mary knew….thank you blessed mother. I cry everytime I think about that day… I miss my mom!

This Christmas is not a very happy one for me. I filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, and lost my job three weeks before Christmas. It has been a struggle to find any joy or peace in this holiday season. This photo brought me so much comfort. It reminded me of what is important and where my heart should be. Thank you for sharing this. Thank you for making a difficult time a little less difficult.

What a timely & powerful image & blog! My son is currently away this year at the CSC Novitiate, having graduated last May from ND; he was in the Old College program & a postulant last year at Moreau. You may (or may not) know who he is; Ethan Lott. At any rate, your blog was shared by a CSC friend on FB & of course I have shared it as well; this is Her time of year & our Blessed Mother continues to point the way, like the Magi’s star, to Him. Thank you for this post; I live in TN & am missing Ethan terribly (first year in 22 without him around). I keep returning to both photos & am reminded afresh that Our Lady is here with me at Christmastide, just as she was with that student & with all of us – pointing the way… Blessings on your Christmas; light a candle at the grotto for me, would you? Lauren

I believe the cloud image is Our Lady or is the Holy Spirit showing us that they are always with us in prayer. When we pray is when we communicate and join with heaven above. It is a reminder and a comfort to me that even if we are in a dry spell and feel nothing when praying just to know that they are with us no matter what, no matter if our senses can pick up their presence or not. All these gifts are little reminders to the faithful to stay strong in prayer because Jesus loves us more than we can possibly grasp with our human minds and hearts. God bless everyone and Merry Christmas !

When my father’s health was failing quickly, a friend in CA sent her son (who was in college there) to the grotto to pray for him. My dad was a huge Notre Dame fan, HUGE. Knowing he was prayed for at that location gave me such comfort. During his 84 years of life he prayed to Mary regularly. Three years later my brother went on a trip to The Holy Land with a church group. In excellent health, he passed away at the Wailing Wall during the visit. Again, sad for me but rejoicing that my brother got the chance to leave from Jerusalem after being baptized in the Jordan River. Your heart can feel and your ears can hear and your eyes can see what you are open to receiving. I see her there, holding the baby.

There’s the full story below this song my brother wrote. I ended the YouTube video with John 3:16. When I hit the save button, that was the exact length of time of the video.
Merry Christmas to you all! Thank you for sharing your warm spirits and faith! God Bless You All!

I’m a young mother who has been up entirely too late tonight-addressing Christmas cards, baking cookies, organizing gifts for my two little boys. I feel into bed, resisting the urge to check my phone, but felt I needed to anyway, and this article (shared by a fellow Saint Mary’s grad) was the first thing I saw. Then, your words about how if one was reading this/seeing it, it is for a reason. I’m not sure what Mary wants me to hear, but she can be sure I am listening now.

Yes I am teary too. Teary that this beautiful reflection of Our Mother is moving to so many during this special week of Christmas. She lights our world which can be so dark at times. Thank you for adoring Her and sharing your story with us. God bless.

Bobby, The Grotto has always been such a sacred place of reflection, prayer, and intervention. I’m now in Louisiana, which is another state steeped in Catholic faith and I must say, upon seeing a post from a friend in South Bend, my first feeling was one of complete awe. The type of awe that sends tingles though one’s entire body like the Spirit moving. God has reached down and touched you; allowing you to touch others by not only see the image, but feel it with a physical response. Thank you for sharing in this wonderment, miracle, message…whatever people wish to call this image of Mary. You were obedient in sharing this message of peace and comfort. On that faithful day, you were a messenger of Christ. Powerful!
God Bless,
Julie

Thank You BK !!! I To Have A Great Love For Are Mother Mary. She Has Brought Me Out Of Hell And Back To Jesus !!! Throw his Church & His Sacraments .The Best Day In My Life Was When I Went To Counfesion . After Being Away From The Church For 20 Plus Years .My Soul Was Dark As Night I Had No Hope No Joy No love No Reason To Live !! Ii Was The Prayers Of The People That Pray the Rosary . For Those In Moet Need Of Jesus Mercy . I Was On Of Them .I Went To A Eucharistic Marian Confrence . Mary Brought Me To Jesus And Home AMEN Jesus Is Alive And Works Throw Is Priest !!!!!

Mr Kloska, thanks for the pic and the reflection. The Grotto is such a special place! Aside from some of the debate or speculation about what is/isn’t happening in this pic, isn’t it awesome that there is a place like this that still draws in people of all ages (especially college kids!) for all kinds of different reasons. Through the lowly Grotto we are ALL called to trek up those nearby steps and into the Basilica. Mary shows us the way to Him!

Great timing as I know this is a message from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mother Mary. My senior year at Mount Carmel, I was in so much mental pain on the senior trip from MC. My family was separated and no one believed any more. I was ready to QUIT and went to the Grotto by myself knowing I had broken all rules for being away from the group. I was there for hours until they found me on my knee’s praying and crying for intervention. I believe that is the only reason I am still here as she comforted me and help me find some kind of peace. There was a reason that God and Mary still need me here.

The photo is beautiful and your explanation even more so. What a wonderful relationship you have with our blessed virgin Mother. The photograph also begs the question (for me anyway) was Mary coming to the kneeling man? Was she there to answer his prayers? Which ever the explanation or lack there if, it’s an amazing photograph! God bless!

Thank you for sharing your photo and taking the time to share your thoughts on it. I happened to find it on Facebook because a friend shared it. I felt compelled to share as well. Whether one believes she sees the Mother and Child or just brushes it off as a glitch when the photo was taken, the Grotto is a special place I try to visit as often as possible. Merry Christmas to you and your family and may all those who come across your photo be blessed.

Wow, Cari, that’s a wonderful story. Yes, Mike is my brother. Please pray for Kathleen as her mother is very sick and the situation is difficult. If you want to reach out to them when you are here, go to the contact form on this blog and send me a message and I can provide their contact information. God Bless!

I sit on my couch in Louisiana, where we have lived now for five years, with a smile on my face because I believe what you said; Mary is calling me. You see, I had just finished my morning prayers, which included a mini novena to Our Lady for a special intention, and decided to quickly check fb before getting on with my day. The second post listed was this one, put there by an old friend from SB (my husband is from SB and we lived there together for twenty years before coming to Louisiana) and the picture and caption intrigued me enough to read it. As soon as I finished, I knew I was meant to see it at that moment; that Mary was telling me she heard my prayers and everything was going to be okay. I wanted to find out more about the author so I went to your “about” page and was surprised to discover that your last name is Kloska. We are friends with Mike and Kathleen (brother?) although we haven’t seen them in years. Friday we head up to the Bend to spend Christmas with family and visit friends. Looking forward to spending time on campus and visiting the grotto (the sight of my husband’s proposal and a place we miss very much). Thank you for the post, B. Kloska, and God Bless!!

Our family is going through a very difficult time right now. I often go to the Grotto to pray, find peace and give thanks to our loving Mother Mary. But tonight has been extremely difficult and the timing of me finding this beautiful and miraculous picture you took moved my husband and I to tears!! We are struggling with my mother in law on her death bed as I read this article. Thank you for bringing our aching hearts some peace from your picture and your article. The timing of me finding this article at this very moment when someone’s life is ending is amazing!! I believe we were meant to see this not just from you the photographer but from the Blessed Mother herself to comfort us in our time of need! Thank you.

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The side of whose house? Robert Kloska is my name. My wife and I have made the side of our house a place of hospitality for all of our visitors. Here we share our thoughts and talk with civility and kindness about the things that matter most.

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